Intel Has Talked with Verizon About Internet TV Deal, But There’s Nothing on the Table

Intel has discussed different potential partnerships with Verizon Communications to launch its now-delayed Internet pay-TV service, but the companies are not close to clinching a deal, according to sources.

According to an AllThingsD report, Intel and Verizon are in “advanced negotiations” and the chipmaker is “close to a deal to hand over control of Intel Media” to the telco. Sources confirmed that the companies have held talks, but said there is no agreement in the works currently.

Intel and Verizon reps declined to comment.

Intel had hoped to debut its ambitious reinvention of broadband-delivered cable TV this year, but pushed back plans to 2014 as it looks for a partner to help it gain critical mass on distribution. The company also has struggled to land programming agreement with TV networks.

Intel CFO Stacy Smith, in an interview earlier this month with Bloomberg News after the chipmaker reported third quarter earnings, declined to discuss timing of the company’s service launch but confirmed Intel is seeking go-to-market partners. Companies Intel has approached about a potential joint launch of the service have included Amazon, Netflix and Samsung, according to sources.

“Key for us is having the content lined up so that it’s a great experience and to have the right partners in place with us so we can scale up fast,” he said. “Because at the end of the day it’s all going to be about getting those subscribers and those viewers.”